Muslims vandalise ‘Moorina Katte’ rebuilt by Hindus at Bhatkal, Karnataka

Stone pelting on Police
(‘Moorina Katte’ refers to a small shrine used for keeping offerings for the Deity.)

Bhatkal (Karnataka) – Muslim youths gathered at night vandalised the Moorina Katte that had been rebuilt on the night of 24 May by activists of the ‘Hindu Jagarana Vedike’ near Venkatapura alongside the National Highway. This has created a tense atmosphere in the area.

1. This site, which had symbolised the religious sentiments of Hindus for hundreds of years, had earlier been voluntarily vacated by Hindus for the highway project. The Highway Department had assured that the Moorina Katte would be reconstructed elsewhere; however, despite repeated requests, the shrine was not rebuilt at another location.

2. Eventually, hundreds of activists from Hindu organisations came together and rebuilt the Moorina Katte beside the National Highway.

3. Muslim leaders, however, objected to this without any reason and demanded its removal. Thereafter, hundreds of Muslims reportedly gathered at night and vandalised it. They also blocked the National Highway for some time and raised slogans. This angered activists of Hindu organisations. (Merely becoming angry is not enough. The rage of Hindus should be such that it instills fear in the minds of anti-Hindu elements. Otherwise, Hindu temples are being demolished both in Bangladesh and Pakistan, and now even in Karnataka, India! – Editor)

4. Muslim leaders also attacked Police personnel who were on duty near the temple premises. This created a tense situation in Bhatkal.

5. Accusing the Police of not taking any action against the Muslims, devout Hindu activists staged protests late into the night in the premises of the Bhatkal Town Police Station. Several organisations, including the BJP and Hindu Jagarana Vedike, have prepared to hold further demonstrations.

6. Uttara Kannada District Guardian Minister Mankal Vaidya, while reacting to the incident, warned that strict action would be taken against the accused.

Prohibitory orders in Bhatkal for 3 days

As a precautionary measure, the Police administration has imposed prohibitory orders until 27 May in Bhatkal town and the adjoining Jali Nagar Panchayat area.

Vandalism of Moorina Katte by Muslims is “unforgivable”: BJP

BJP leader Govind Naik said in this regard that the Moorina Katte had not appeared suddenly. It was an old shrine that had merely been rebuilt, and the action to remove it was unforgivable. Naik also warned that strong protests would be organised against this action.